Not Back to Work Today? Try the Portfolio Approach
Unfortunately, some people don't have a job to go today. I thought I would share a tip that has worked for me in the past-- I call it the "Portfolio Approach".
Everyone has a resume, but honestly they all look the same. Years ago I decided to stand out when I submitted a resume (whether by paper or electronically). I started to include samples of my work product. What are samples of your work product?
- Writing samples
- Reports
- Websites
- Spreadsheets
- Presentations
- Prototypes
- Models
- Systems Flowcharts
- Photos
- Illustrations
I don't believe in doing work on spec (doing "free" work on speculation) . . . but there is nothing wrong with showing past work (just don't give up trade secrets of former employers).
This sort of stuff is especially important for knowledge workers to demonstrate tangible evidence of their intangibles.
Why should you do this? It shows you can:
- Write
- Organize
- Think
- Analyze
- Draw conclusions
- Use software
- Etc.
The real power is that it allows a potential employer to imagine you doing this work for them and doing it quick. The best story I have about this, is the day I was sitting across the table from a partner in a worldwide consulting firm as he described what he wanted a new unit to do. I took out a sample and slid it across the table and said, "You mean something like this?" On day one of interviews, I had a job offer by the end of the day.
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Categories: careers, Organizing, Personal Finance, Productivity, Self Improvement, Frugality, Personal Philosophy
Tags: Personal Finance Ideas Careers Frugality Self Improvement Defensive Entrepreneurship Personal Philosophy Productivity Frugal Motivation Organizing Success Tips Tricks Techniques Public Speaking Multipreneuring
This is a gem! I can't think of a better example of thinking outside the dry and dusty resume. I'm going to create a new page on Frugal Living Freedom (today I hope) to help people land a job (or a second job), and I'm going to link to this post as an example.
You've hit the nail on the head. You need to differentiate yourself. It is so important, whether you're in business for yourself or you work for someone else.
If you don't stand out from the crowd, you're only engaging in "me too" marketing or interviewing.
Clair
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Thanks for the link.
I believe in "putting your money where your mouth is . . . " With this approach you aren't just saying you can do it-- you are proving it. In this day and age, you need every angle you can get.
Yes, this would help small business people too.
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Here's the page with your link. It's near the bottom of the page.
http://www.frugal-living-freedom.com/second-job.html
It's my pleasure to give your wonderful ideas a bit more play. It's great advice that many folks can put to good use. I hope they do.
Clair
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Thanks again. If we help just one person, then we have done our good deed for the day . . .
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